This course concerns the theoretical and doctrinal arguments, which have structured thinking about international legal issues. It considers basic doctrines of public international law about the sources of law and the international legal process. We consider the use made of these materials in addressing such issues as human rights, environmental policy, terrorism, and war.

The course aims to present a panorama of public international law, which covers principles and rules that govern the relations between States and the latter’s interactions with other international actors. The course is designed to give students a global understanding of the rules governing international relations and, ultimately, provide them with practical skills in legal reasoning and arguing, research and writing on international issues.